Hero Neon - a good city bike. Review on Hero Cycles

A group of bicycle enthusiasts in my company have started a bicycle club. On week ends, they cycle to various places around and now they are contemplating to bring bicycles to office as well. I was clearly inspired with their activities and wanted to join them. But considering my status as a married man with two kids at home, it was difficult to participate in the activities completely.

Never the less, I wanted to buy a bicycle. While doing my engineering, I had a Luna and later bought a Hero Ranger LE. It was a latest trend in 1992-93 and I was really hooked on to my bike. I cycled to college, to my friends and to places nearby. So in the surge of nostalgia, I decided to get a new bike.

The search had started. I spoke to the cycle guru's from my office. They recommanded a light racer bike with 5 + gears. They said the mountain bikes which are still a trend with thickest tires and jazzy looks are quite heavy and are not suitable for city biking. With a hangover from "Ranger LE" I still wanted to buy a mountan bike. So on a week end, I started visiting the bike stores. Range of brands from Herculus, Hero, BSA, AVON and many more to choose from only confused me. With the parameters provided - 'thin tires' and 'light bike' I was going nowhere. The racers were out of question as I already have a backache. Mountain Bikes I love but did not want as they would sap out more energy...

I almost settled for a Ladies Bike - 'LadyBird' as it was light and had comparatively thin tires, and I cae across Hero Neon. It looked very simple and traditional. So simple that my wife hated the looks. She said at least buy the racer which has better looks. After evaluating the options, I finally decided to go for Hero Neon.

I got it home and removed the plastic and paper covering, it did not look that bad. it looked fresh with red and black combination and the thin tires gave it a different look. I got the seat changed as the original seat has springs and looks a bit old fashoined (I am slightly overweight so thought that I may break the springs very often).

Next morning, I rode the bike for the first time. A schoolgoing kid in my apartment looked at me and gave a smiling nod. I felt nice and free. It was a long time since I rode. In the fit of enthusiasm I rode a long way and then had to pidal back with my lungs bursting with steam. Somehow I managed to reach home my 7:00 a.m. I was out of breath, my legs were heavy, and I could hardly talk for next 10 minutes. And to tell you all - It was fun. I am gonna do it again. I am gonna use my bike more often. I am gonna ride with my kid sitting on the bar the way I used to sit on my Dad's bicycle....

Features

Neon FRAME Unique Sports Bike Oversize geometry.

Peel-proof graphics embedded under oven-baked lacquer for extra long life.

HANDLE Ergonomically designed sports style handle for comfortable upright riding posture.

Soft Synthetic Resin Grips.

BRAKES Cable operated side pull Caliper.

CHAINWHEEL & CRANK 44 Teeth x 165mm Crank, Black finish.

TYRE 26 x 1-3/8.RIM Steel CP, Endric 36 Hole. *

*COLORS Available in Chrome based hi-gloss paint in attractive shades.